In the small town of Questa, New Mexico, someone put up a simple sign with a strong moral message in front of the local Catholic Church. The large sign reads, “God’s Marriage = 1 man + 1 woman.”
In normal times, such a message would hardly be controversial. Nothing is more Christian and natural than affirming what makes up a marriage. It is an uplifting message reinforcing American values.
However, in these times, liberals consider the sign offensive and subversive. Such strong convictions cannot be tolerated in today’s age of tolerance. They must be canceled lest the idea spread.
Such is the implied message of an article in the local Taos Times and the Santa Fe New Mexican. Reporter Dylan Crabb saw the sign and immediately investigated how it got there and what might be done to remove it.
He wrote a story about the sign. It goes beyond simple journalism and includes a touch of activism. He gives readers reasons why it should be taken down and employs tactics that are typical of the left.
Attack the Maker of the Sign
The reporter’s first tactic is attacking the messenger, not the message. Mr. Craff notes that the sign displays the name and website of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP.org). From his perusal of the site, he concludes that the TFP is a “vehemently anti-LGBTQ+ group” that opposes most liberal causes, including ecology, pacifism, and unilateral nuclear disarmament.
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Thus, he insinuates that the anti-liberal positions of the messenger alone should be enough to take the sign down.
Attack the Owner of the Sign Site
Armed with the information about the messenger, Mr. Crabb then questioned the parish priest in charge of the Church property where the sign stands.
He must have thought that a complaint would trigger a “charitable” response from a progressive pastor. However, the new priest replied with much common sense and zeal for souls.
“The Church is not here to conform to society, we’re here to convert society,” he said. “The Church does not condemn people who struggle with same-sex attractions, but we do condemn the acts themselves.”
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He further added that the sign is on private property and, therefore, protected free speech.
Appealing to the Government to Solve the Program
When all else fails, the left can always turn to the government to find a way. Finding no opening with the priest, the reporter reached out to city government officials to explore ways to have the sign canceled. He noted that cities can enact regulations that govern the placement, lighting and size of signs.
Questa City Mayor John Ortega replied that he could do nothing because it is a matter of freedom of speech.
Questa village counselor Jason Gonzalez was more direct. “If you don’t like it [the Church’s position], don’t go to that church. If the sign offends you, don’t look at it.”
Anything But the Message
Thus, the report on the sign ends. The reporter seemed willing to discuss anything but the message. There can be no discussion about the morality of the sign’s affirmation of traditional marriage. It is automatically assumed that the message is wrong, and the matter is not even open to debate.
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The news story shows how effective such public signs are. They fortify those with faith to affirm themselves even more. For those wavering in their faith, a public affirmation of moral truth can buttress their conviction. Those opposed to the message are irritated and intimidated. Such signs break the myth that everyone is against Christian morality.
The TFP sign/banner hit the mark by raising moral questions that are too often forgotten.
Never underestimate the power of a well-placed sign. It is an excellent way to put God’s law and marriage in the public square and hearts.
First published on TFP.org.
Photo Credit: American TFP Photo Archive